Christian Braun is channeling some serious confidence these days. The Nuggets guard told the media that criticism only makes him stronger. Braun said it's good for him and the team to get written off, but he wouldn't write off a team that has won a championship and has been successful in the past. The Nuggets have been taking criticism from pundits since they went over the NBA salary cap's second apron to keep Spencer Jones. Tim Hardaway Jr, Jonas Valanciunas, Jalen Pickett, and Peyton Watson are out, while Marvin Bagley III, Lonnie Walker IV, and DeMar DeRozan are in. Braun is excited to play with DeRozan and learn from him. He's always confident in what the front office does and the team they put together. The Nuggets will go into preseason camp older than last year, but maybe wiser. Braun countered that as long as they have Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, they're in a good spot. He's confident in the team every year, no matter who they put on the court. With those guys, they have a chance to win a championship. The Core Four is now the Core Three, and Father Time isn't doing the Nuggets any favors. Gordon turns 31 in September and played in only 36 games last season due to injuries. Murray had a career year but shot poorly in the playoffs. Jokic became the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double over back-to-back campaigns but shot poorly in the postseason. The Nuggets need to get younger, longer, and meaner around the veteran trio. This puts pressure on Braun, a two-way threat who's 25, rehabbing an injured ankle, and entering the first season of a five-year, $125-million extension. Braun's friend Peyton Watson was traded to the Cavs as part of a five-team swap that landed the Nuggets draft picks in '31 and '32. Braun and Watson were both drafted in '22 and contributed to the franchise's first NBA title the following spring. Braun is very excited to play with another All-Star and learn from him. He's always confident in what the front office does and the team they put together every year. The Nuggets have everything they need as long as they have Jokic, Murray, and Gordon. Braun is looking forward to the new season and is confident that the team will do well. He's not worried about what other people say and is focused on winning championships.